About Owakudani
Owakudani is a valley formed by volcanic activity located in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture and is a representative tourist spot in Hakone. Its distinctive feature is that visitors can feel the active volcanic activity up close, and the unique landscape with its rising white volcanic fumes and the smell of sulfur provides visitors with an extraordinary experience. This site is the remains of a crater formed by the eruption of Mt. Hakone approximately 3,000 years ago, and because geothermal and fumarolic activity is still active today, it is a popular spot for visitors to directly feel the energy of Hakone's land.
One of the attractions of sightseeing in Owakudani is its unique volcanic landscape. The unique scenery of white plumes rising from the surface of the mountain and the smell of sulfur are rare in Japan, and visitors can enjoy the feeling of being in a different world. Especially on a clear day, the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji over the volcanic fumes on a clear day. The contrast with the surrounding mountains is beautiful, and the scenery changes with the seasons, so you can enjoy a different view each time you visit.
Owakudani's specialty is “Kuro-tamago,” or black eggs. These are boiled eggs produced using the geothermal heat and fumaroles of Owakudani, and are characterized by the black color of their shells, which are discolored by the sulfur. It is said that “eating one of these black eggs will prolong your life for seven years,” and many tourists are familiar with these eggs as a good luck food. When you visit Owakudani, be sure to taste the freshly prepared black eggs and feel the geothermal heat of Owakudani along with their unique flavor.
Owakudani is also a place where you can enjoy the view from the ropeway. From the windows of the Hakone ropeway, you can see the rugged mountain surface and volcanic fumes of Owakudani, the mountains of Hakone and Lake Ashinoko in the distance, and if the weather is fine, you can even see the majestic Mt. Aerial ropeway rides are like traveling through the energy of the earth, and visitors can enjoy both the thrill and the beauty of the scenery. In addition, the ropeway is part of a route that circles not only Owakudani but also the entire Hakone area, making it possible to visit the area efficiently in combination with other sightseeing spots.
Furthermore, Owakudani is a geologically interesting place. It is also an interesting place for those interested in natural science and geology, as it is a place where visitors can experience the forces of nature and their effects, such as Hakone volcanic activity, the geothermal system, and the origin of fumaroles. The real appeal of Owakudani is that visitors can experience the power of the earth in a way that is not possible in everyday life by strolling through the area while feeling the wonders of nature and the energy of the earth.
Owakudani is also known as a hot spring resort. The hot springs that gush forth from Owakudani are supplied to the surrounding hot spring resorts in Hakone, and the rich sulfur spring water is reputed to smooth the skin and relax the body and mind. After enjoying the scenery of Owakudani, it is recommended to stay at a nearby hot spring hotel and enjoy the bounty of the earth while soaking in the hot spring water from the springs.
All in all, Owakudani is a sightseeing spot where visitors can feel the energy of Hakone's magnificent nature and volcanoes, and enjoy unique scenery and experiences. Tasting black eggs, enjoying the view from the ropeway, and strolling through the zone where visitors can experience the geothermal heat of the volcano are just a few of the unforgettable experiences visitors can enjoy. Owakudani is a must-see spot in Hakone tourism, where visitors can experience the power of nature and the charms of Hakone.